For decades, the Mitsubishi Montero was a common sight on rural roads, farms, and hunting grounds in Spain. Its robustness, off-road capability, and reasonably comfortable interior made it a highly valued workhorse. Now, after a very long hiatus, the Japanese firm has decided to revive one of its most iconic models, and it's doing so with a completely new fifth generation that has just been officially unveiled.
The announcement has generated considerable excitement, especially among true off-road enthusiasts. Mitsubishi has confirmed that the new Pajero, as the model is known in most parts of the world, will retain the essence of its predecessors, but with a more premium focus and significantly improved technology. In Spain and other Spanish-speaking markets, the model was historically sold as the Montero, although there is no official confirmation yet regarding its arrival in the Spanish market.
A pickup truck chassis for a legend of the countryside
One of the main innovations of this fifth generation is its use of a ladder frame platform , the same one used in the Triton or L200 pickup. This architecture, typical of traditional off-road vehicles, guarantees great structural strength and excellent off-road capability. However, Mitsubishi engineers have modified the chassis to adapt it to this new model, increasing the use of high-strength steel and improving torsional and bending rigidity to offer more refined on-road handling without sacrificing its off-road character.
The suspension system has also been completely redesigned , featuring an independent double-wishbone setup at the front and a new five-link rigid axle at the rear. This combination, similar to that of other traditional off-road vehicles, aims to strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. Contributing to this is the Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) all-wheel-drive system, which allows the driver to choose between four operating modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc, the latter with a locked center differential and low-range gearing.
Driving control is further enhanced by the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, which integrates torque management, stability control, and traction control. In addition, there are seven specific driving modes (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock), allowing the vehicle's behavior to be adapted to any surface. Furthermore, the Pajero features hill descent control and a generous ground clearance of 230 mm, with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30,4, 22,6, and 25,8 degrees respectively—figures that put it on par with its main rivals.
A 2.4-liter diesel engine as the only option (for now)
Under the hood, the new Mitsubishi Pajero hides a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger. This engine, which we already know from the Triton pickup, has been tuned for this model and develops a maximum torque of 480 Nm , a very generous figure that ensures good response at low revs, something essential for off-road driving. Power output hasn't been officially confirmed, but everything points to it being around 204 hp. This engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to offer smooth and quiet gear changes.
Mitsubishi has not confirmed whether more powertrain options will be available later, although some media outlets suggest the possible arrival of a hybrid variant in the future. For now, diesel will be the only available alternative, a decision that could complicate the model's launch in Europe due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. In fact, the brand has not yet announced its launch in Europe, focusing its efforts on markets such as Thailand, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Luxury interior and state-of-the-art technology
The interior is one of the areas where the new Pajero truly shines. The Japanese brand has invested heavily in high-quality materials and a much more refined presentation than in previous models. Occupants will find a dashboard dominated by two large 14,3-inch screens (although entry-level versions will have 12,3-inch panels), which house the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. Despite this extensive digitalization, Mitsubishi has retained numerous physical controls for the most frequently used functions, making them easier to use while driving.
One of the most striking details is the return of the characteristic set of three gauges, which this time are displayed digitally on the central screen. This 'Multi Meter' provides information on the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral tilt , altitude, and even compass heading.
Premium features also include a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a refrigerated compartment in the center console.
Interior space is another of its strong points. The three-row configuration offers seating for seven passengers . The second row of seats can slide forward or backward up to 150 mm to facilitate access to the third row, and the trunk offers ample capacity even with all seven seats in use. In terms of safety, the new Pajero doesn't skimp on equipment and includes driver assistance systems such as emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous highway driving function (MI-PILOT), and a 360-degree camera with underbody vision for obstacle avoidance during off-road driving.
Availability and prospects for the Spanish market
Production of the new Mitsubishi Pajero will take place at the plant in Thailand, where the Triton pickup is also manufactured. The commercial launch will begin in the Thai market, followed by Japan and Australia during fiscal year 2026, before expanding to more than 100 countries , including the ASEAN region, the Middle East, and Latin America. As for Europe, the brand has not yet made any announcements, and expectations of its arrival on the continent are slim in the short term, especially given the lack of an electrified powertrain option.
Even so, the Montero's return to global markets is a strategic move that strengthens the brand's image in the off-road segment, aiming to compete directly with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser . For many Spanish enthusiasts, the potential arrival of this model would be great news, as it would mean the return of a vehicle that for years was synonymous with reliability and ruggedness off-road.
With this fifth generation, Mitsubishi demonstrates that the spirit of the Pajero lives on . Its combination of a robust chassis, proven mechanics, and a now truly modern interior makes it a very attractive option for those seeking a true off-roader without sacrificing comfort. We'll have to wait and see if its arrival in Europe is confirmed, but for now, off-road enthusiasts and 4x4 lovers have a new reason for hope. Time will tell if this comeback achieves the same success as its predecessors, but certainly, the recipe seems to be working.
